A Glorious Respite

It doesn’t matter who you are or the number of stressors that your lifestyle produces–we all need a break sometimes.

Sedona, with its rich red rock cliffs, fragrant pines, and clean air beckoned our attention. Well, not quite–my generous auntie gifted us with a week in her Sedona timeshare, which was beckoning enough and like everyone, we craved a break from the ordinary; the routine, the average and the mundane.

Set precisely in the center of the Coconino National Forest, Sedona attracts tourists, faith seekers, New Agers and artists. Blending into the surroundings with deep hues of olive, mauve and taupe, the trappings of tourist towns, such as fast food restaurants, coffee and tea shops, souvenir shops, motels and convenience stores are ever prevalent –trying to separate you from the contents of your wallet.

Frugal by necessity, we eliminated most expenses by bringing food from home and have enjoyed exploring such sights as Cathedral Rock, Coffeepot Rock, Bell Rock, Holy Cross Catholic Chapel which sits smack dab in the center of one of Sedona’s four vortexes, or underground cyclones. Additionally, and quite spectacularly, are the plethora of hiking trails, people watching, the Verde Valley and the snow-capped mountains.

While not a hidden treasure by any stretch of the imagination, Sedona is captivating and fits the solitude, clean air and breathtaking scenery we were craving.

This morning’s hike brought its own beauty as the snow from two days ago, began to melt, creating little streams covered with delicate, crusty ice. Blue Jays, hawks and other nestlings accompanied us in song along the trail.

Enjoy some photos of our morning hike. Poor Argyle has had to have a bath several times this week due to the red soil staining his white fur!

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But now ask the beasts to teach you, the birds of the air to tell you;Or speak to the earth to instruct you, and the fish of the sea to inform you.Which of all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? In his hand is the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all mortal flesh. ~Job 12: 7-10